A slippery customer caused quite a splash when he landed on the Sussex coast.

The grey seal, nicknamed Trevor, arrived near The Esplanade in Seaford at 6.30pm on Monday.

Within hours, hundreds of people surrounded him – forcing worried wildlife experts to set up a cordon which the “naughty” seal managed to escape.

Marine experts watching over Trevor were also forced to call police.

Yesterday Sussex Police spokesman Sergeant Stewart Mullins confirmed officers attended the incident.

He said: “This is a naughty seal because he escaped his cordon and would not stay where he was.

“They were a bit worried about how many people were watching him.”

Another police spokesman added: “Should a child, adult, or animal approach it, it will likely attack with severe consequences. Please respect the animal and staff helping it.”
 

A Newhaven coastguard spokesman said: “We were tasked to assist with a seal on Seaford Beach. For public safety a cordon was set up around the animal.

“The seal is believed to be in good health. As a natural part of their moulting process, seals will often spend time on a beach.

“The British Divers Marine Life Rescue has advised that, although seals look docile and cuddly, they should not be approached as they can inflict a nasty bite. Normal prescription antibiotics will not treat infection from a seal bite and a series of painful injections are required.”

Yesterday Trevor had swum off, leaving fans hopeful for his return.